Puff Pastry Glazed Doughnuts

Puff Pastry Glazed Doughnuts are a quick, easy, and irresistible twist on traditional doughnuts. Made with flaky puff pastry, fried or baked to golden perfection, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, these doughnuts offer all the indulgence without the fuss of yeast dough. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a fun weekend treat, they come together in minutes and disappear just as fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These doughnuts are light, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside—all thanks to the magic of puff pastry. There’s no rising time, kneading, or deep frying required (unless you want to). You can bake or fry them depending on your preference, and they’re ready in under 30 minutes. With a simple glaze and endless topping options, they’re a fun and customizable treat that feels fancy without the effort.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Puff pastry sheets, thawed
• All-purpose flour (for dusting)
• Egg, beaten (for egg wash if baking)
• Oil for frying (optional, if frying instead of baking)

For the glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Optional toppings: sprinkles, cinnamon sugar, melted chocolate, crushed nuts

directions

this recipe

To bake:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly dust your surface with flour and roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly.
3. Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut out doughnut shapes, and a smaller cutter for the centers.
4. Place doughnuts and holes on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Brush with beaten egg for a golden finish.
6. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.

To fry (optional):

1. Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the puff pastry into doughnut shapes as described above.
3. Carefully lower a few doughnuts into the hot oil and fry for about 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden.
4. Drain on paper towels.

To glaze:

1. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Dip warm (not hot) doughnuts into the glaze and place on a wire rack to set.
3. Add sprinkles or other toppings if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8–10 doughnuts plus doughnut holes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Cinnamon sugar: Toss baked or fried doughnuts in cinnamon sugar instead of glazing.
• Chocolate glaze: Use melted chocolate or cocoa glaze for a rich finish.
• Filled version: Cut out two solid rounds, add jam or cream in the center, and seal the edges before baking.
• Mini doughnuts: Use smaller cutters for bite-sized treats.
• Maple glaze: Swap vanilla for maple extract in the glaze for a breakfast-style flavor.

storage/reheating

Store cooled doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best texture, consume the same day.

To reheat, place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving glazed doughnuts, as it can make the glaze melt off and the texture soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes, just be sure it’s fully thawed before using so it rolls and cuts easily.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Absolutely. Baked doughnuts are lighter and still flaky and delicious.

Can I glaze them while hot?

Let them cool slightly first so the glaze sets instead of sliding off.

Can I use different glazes?

Yes—try chocolate, maple, lemon, or even coffee glaze for fun variations.

Do they taste like traditional doughnuts?

They’re lighter and flakier due to the puff pastry, but still very doughnut-like with the glaze.

Can I make these ahead?

They’re best the same day, but you can make and glaze them a few hours in advance.

Can I make them without a doughnut cutter?

Yes, use a glass or cookie cutter and a bottle cap or small cutter for the centers.

Can I freeze them?

Unbaked puff pastry doughnuts can be frozen. Bake or fry straight from frozen with a few extra minutes added.

What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil work best.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use more puff pastry sheets and double the glaze ingredients as needed.

Conclusion

Puff Pastry Glazed Doughnuts are the perfect quick-fix sweet treat—flaky, fun, and totally customizable. Whether you bake or fry them, they come out beautifully golden and ready for your favorite toppings. Keep a box of puff pastry on hand and you’re never more than 30 minutes away from a homemade doughnut delight.

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